Debian Creates Branches for FreeBSD Kernels

Debian users can soon decide whether to install on Linux or FreeBSD kernels.

New to the Debian archive are FreeBSD architectures for i386 and AMD64. Developer Jörg Jaspert says on lists.debian.org, "The two new architectures (well, better named OSs I think, as they use a different kernel) are available in unstable and experimental." This doesn't mean that Debian is departing from Linux, just that users now have a choice of Linux or FreeBSD kernels. BSD is short for the Berkeley Software Distribution, a UNIX variant with origins at the California university.

Debian GNU Linux distinguishes itself as cutting-edge by adopting FreeBSD and thereby sets a new example for an operating system: a platform supporting two very different kernel technologies, with other aspects of the software remaining largely unchanged.

Full functioning may take some time, however. As Jaspert says, "We do start out empty, importing only what is needed to get a buildd running. For this reason you will not be able to directly use it immediately." As is typical with Debian, the FTP master remains vague about exact dates, but he's optimistic that full functionality should happen "soon."

Free software covers such a diverse range of utilities, applications, and other assorted projects that it can be hard to find the perfect tool. We pick the best of the bunch. This month we look at IPodder, FreeBSD 6, and SynCE.